Prerequisites
Participants must already be certified in First Aid and/or CPR, or be enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course.
American Red Cross Skill Boost
Opioid Overdose &
Naloxone Administration
This American Red Cross Skill Boost helps trained responders recognize opioid overdose, provide naloxone, and support emergency care until EMS arrives.
Skill Boost
Instructor-Led
Naloxone + CPR Emphasis
Quick Course Facts
Important details before taking this Red Cross Skill Boost.
Course Length
Lesson length is approximately 45 minutes, or 60 minutes when Hands-Only CPR is included.
Certification
Participants who successfully complete the course receive an American Red Cross certificate valid for 2 years.
Devices Covered
Core training includes naloxone administration using either a nasal spray or nasal atomizer, depending on class setup.
How This Skill Boost Is Built
Designed around overdose recognition, emergency action, naloxone use, and CPR support when needed.
Core Topic
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
Students learn how to recognize common signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and understand why immediate action matters.
- Recognize slow or irregular breathing
- Recognize unresponsiveness and skin color changes
- Act fast when overdose is suspected
Core Skill
Naloxone Administration
Students practice administering naloxone using either a nasal spray or a nasal atomizer, depending on the device used in training.
- Verify the medication label
- Administer naloxone properly
- Note the time and monitor condition
CPR Support
Hands-Only CPR
Participants who are not CPR-certified must also complete the Hands-Only CPR portion so they can support care when breathing stops.
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest
- Use an AED when available
- Continue until help takes over or the scene changes
Upcoming Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Classes
Register for an upcoming American Red Cross naloxone training course.
Course Schedule
No upcoming classes are posted yet.
Check back soon or contact us about private training.
Course Details
What This Course Covers
This American Red Cross Skill Boost was developed to address the need for training and certification in recognizing and caring for a person experiencing an opioid overdose, including administering naloxone using a nasal spray or a nasal atomizer.
Main Focus
Recognizing opioid overdose and helping provide immediate first aid care
Core Skill
Administering naloxone using a nasal spray or nasal atomizer
Added CPR Topic
Hands-Only CPR is included when participants are not already CPR-certified
Certification
2-year American Red Cross certificate upon successful completion
Why It Matters
Built for Emergencies Where Every Minute Counts
Opioid overdose can quickly lead to cardiac arrest and death. This course helps trained responders recognize the signs, call for help, provide naloxone, and support care with CPR and AED use when needed.
Best For
Workplaces, schools, community groups, ministry teams, outreach staff, public-facing organizations, and safety-minded responders
Emergency Steps
Reinforces CHECK—CALL—CARE, naloxone use, and CPR/AED support in overdose situations
Important Note
Naloxone helps reverse opioid effects temporarily, but the person still needs immediate professional medical care
What You’ll Learn
Major topics covered in American Red Cross Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration training.
Recognizing an Opioid Overdose
- Describe what an opioid overdose is
- Recognize decreased breathing effort and unresponsiveness
- Notice bluish or greyish skin and other warning signs
- Understand that overdose can progress to cardiac arrest
Naloxone Basics
- Understand the role of naloxone in overdose care
- Know that naloxone is safe for all ages
- Understand why EMS is still needed after naloxone is given
- Know when a second dose may be needed
Naloxone Administration Skill
- Verify the medication label
- Administer naloxone by nasal spray or nasal atomizer
- Use the device correctly based on device type
- Note the time of administration and any change in condition
CPR & AED Support
- Understand the role of CPR and AED use in overdose care
- Give Hands-Only CPR if the person is not breathing or only gasping
- Use an AED when available
- Continue care until help takes over
Common Questions
Quick answers for students and organizations considering American Red Cross naloxone training.
Is this a stand-alone course?
No. This is a Red Cross Skill Boost designed to build on First Aid,
CPR, or equivalent prerequisite training.
Do I need certification before taking this course?
Yes. Participants must already be certified in First Aid and/or CPR,
or be enrolled in an equivalent Red Cross course.
Does this include CPR?
Participants who are not already CPR-certified must complete the
Hands-Only CPR portion of this Skill Boost.
What naloxone devices are covered?
Training may use either a naloxone nasal spray or a naloxone nasal
atomizer, depending on the device selected for the class.